CNSTC: July 26, 2023

Finding My Voice

Around Town

Variety’s My Voice program provides communication devices to local children who do not have consistent access to this critical technology

By Brett Auten

A world where abilities are redefined, and possibilities are reimagined for those with special needs, Variety St. Louis is doing its part to bring this ethos to fruition as it rolls out a new initiative for those in St. Charles County

The program is now available to help those who need assistance to express their wants, needs and feelings every day.

The initiative addresses the tribulations felt by children who are unable to communicate verbally. While some (depending on the school district) can use communication

devices at school or during speech therapy, often they do not own them, leaving many kids literally voiceless in the evenings, on weekends and during the summer.

Between costly communication devices and even communications apps designed for tablets, the payments are not affordable for many families. With My Voice, Variety provides eligible participants with the device, the prescribed communication app, a protective case and any necessary accessories (wheelchair mount and more), and a two-year warranty.

Variety works with the child’s speech-language pathologist to determine which spe-

cific tools will meet the child’s needs and to help integrate the device into the child’s everyday life. My Voice is currently available to children ages three to 20 years old in St. Louis City and St. Charles County.

“The costs vary, but the baseline model, before even putting on the apps, is around $5,000, minimum, with the apps being $2-300,” Brian Roy, executive director of Variety St. Louis, said. “We realized they needed the whole package. This is a critical tool and this way the family doesn’t have to worry if they have enough.”

Variety’s My Voice program provides

See ‘VOICE’ page 2

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Brett Hull to headline annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation golf tournament. Pg. 4

Ribbon cutting ceremony held for pickleball courts in Wentzville. Pg. 4

St. Charles County health expert counters myths about sun safety. Pg. 3

Variety St. Louis has launched a new St. Charles County initiative that addresses the frustration, isolation, and helplessness felt by those who are unable to communicate verbally. Variety’s My Voice program provides communication devices to local children who qualify who do not have consistent access to this critical technology. My Voice is currently available to children ages three to 20 years old in St. Louis City and St. Charles County.

‘ VOICE’ from cover

communication devices to local children who qualify who do not have consistent access to this critical technology.

“It is frustrating for the parents that this technology exists, the kid thrives with it, but doesn’t have it 24-hours-aday, 365-days-a-year,” Roy said.

By providing these tools for expression and self-advocacy at no cost to families, it empowers children and teens with independence at home, school and in the community.

“Every child deserves to be heard,” Roy said. “Communication connects us all, and Variety is thrilled to launch the My Voice program so kids and teens in our community can express their needs, their thoughts, and their feelings.”

Variety also assists children with physical and developmental disabili-

ties by giving access to critical medical equipment and therapies, along with innovative camp and performing arts programs

According to Roy, Variety programs help children gain independence, boost socialization among their friends and family, demonstrate belief in themselves, and increase skills they need to engage their world as fully as possible.

For more information, including how to apply Variety’s My Voice program, visit www.varietystl.org/ myvoice to begin the process.

Submitted photo Variety St. Louis has launched a new St. Charles County initiative that addresses the frustration, isolation, and helplessness felt by those who are unable to communicate verbally. Variety’s My Voice program provides communication devices to local children who qualify who do not have consistent access to this critical technology. My Voice is currently available to children ages three to 20 years old in St. Louis City and St. Charles County.

Timberland High School Girl Scout goes for the gold

Julie Meritt, a Sophomore at Timberland High School, has recently earned the mark of the truly remarkable – the Girl Scout Gold Award.

This young change-maker demonstrated extraordinary leadership through a measurable and sustainable community service project.

A limb-length discrepancy is when one leg or arm is shorter than the other. Treatment for this condition often involves lengthening surgery and intensive physical therapy.

Meritt recognized the struggles children face navigating life with this condition and the anxiety of surgery. To increase resources for patients with this condition, Meritt decided to partner with Shriners Children’s St. Louis and create a children’s book on the condition.

Meritt’s book, “Brooke’s Big Surgery,” follows a character with a leg-length discrepancy as she goes through her first surgery. Meritt illustrates what fellow patients can expect during their treatment. Meritt’s book also provides a list of other media, including characters with disabilities and advice from fellow patients.

After completing the book, Meritt translated it to Spanish and uploaded both versions as a free ebook. Meritt then provided Shriners Children’s St. Louis with 165 English and 200 Spanish hard copies of the book. Meritt also mailed a hard copy of each to the other 17 Shriners Children’s Hospital locations, including one in Canada and one in Mexico.

Finally, Meritt applied vinyl inspirational messages to 18

clinic room walls at Shriners Children’s St. Louis to encourage patients.

The Gold Award is earned by a high-school-aged Girl Scout who has dedicated, on average, more than 80 hours to address an issue they are passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change.

Whether it is on a local, national or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts provide innovative solutions to pressing and relevant challenges.

These remarkable young leaders, along with other Gold Award Girl Scouts, were recognized during a special ceremony on June 11.

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

St. Charles County health expert counters myths about sun safety

One out of five Americans develops skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Not surprisingly, skin damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is a common risk factor.

Despite the prevalence of this illness, people have many misconceptions about when and how to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure, says Sara Evers, acting director of the St. Charles County Department of Public Health.

“The more serious health concerns from over-exposure to UV radiation don’t appear right away. They are issues caused by damage that builds up over time,” says Evers. “Along with increased cancer risk, excessive UV exposure over time can also cause skin to age prematurely, damage vision, and possibly suppress the body’s immune system.”

The following are common sun safety myths that health experts like Evers are frequently dispelling:

MYTH: Getting sunburnt once or twice is no big deal. “Studies show even occasional damage from strong UV exposure can increase the risk of cancer,” Evers says.

MYTH: I don’t need to worry about sun safety on cloudy days. “Ambient sunlight and UV rays still reach you on cloudy days, so you should still take precautions if you’re going to be outside for an extended time,” Evers notes.

MYTH: If I get a safe “base tan,” I don’t need to use sunscreen. “Your

skin becomes tan in response to UV damage that has already occurred, so there’s no such thing as a ‘safe tan,’” Evers explains. “As far as whether a tan substitutes for other sun protection, evidence shows getting a tan provides only minimal protection compared to sunscreen.

MYTH: One use of sunscreen is good for all day. “The longest you should go before reapplying sunscreen is two hours,” Evers says. “That could be shorter, depending on the product or situation. Many sunscreens come off while swimming, sweating, or toweling dry, and water-resistant sunscreens might only be effective for about an hour.”

Evers recommends these four sun safety tips:

• Limit outdoor activities during peak sun exposure times of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wear wide-brimmed hats, longsleeve shirts and long pants.

• Use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen as often as directed on the bottle, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect eye health.

• Perform regular self-exams for unusual skin spots or growths, especially if you have a history of sun exposure or family medical history of skin cancer.

Renu Med Spa celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Renu Med Spa opened its new location at 5055 Highway N. Suite 102 in Cottleville. To commemorate the opening, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 8.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders were in attendance.

“We offer cosmetic services such as injectable dermal fillers and toxins, state of the art laser treatments, female rejuvenation services, hormone replacement, and medical weight loss,” says owner John Fogarty.

Renu Med Spa is a state-of-the-art facility where client education, rela-

tionships, and teamwork meet to give our patients a wholistic experience that supports and restores their natural beauty and health.

For more information on Renu Med Spa visit renumedspastl.com.

Submitted photo

Brett Hull to headline annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation golf tournament in Wentzville

St. Louis Blues hockey legend and hall-of-famer Brett Hull will be in hosting the 6th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation St. Louis Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Club in Wentzville on Aug. 26.

This is the third consecutive year that Hull has served as honorary chairman as well as a player in the tournament. This year he will captain a four-person team playing in the tournament as part of a live auction item awarded at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Annual Gala held last November.

Brett Hull’s Junction House in Wentzville is the Title Sponsor of this tournament for the third consecutive year. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for both individuals and local businesses. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“As always, I am very excited

to be playing once again in this year’s tournament. Thanks to the continued support and contributions from all the players, sponsors, donors and volunteers, we were able to raise $87,125 in last year’s sold-out tournament,” Hull said. “I’m just happy to have the opportunity to continue raising awareness of and supporting the services that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides for children in need all over the world.”

Registration is now open through Aug. 1 for teams and sponsors. The tournament will feature lunch prior to the 1:30 p.m. shotgun start, plus unlimited beverages, a bucket of range balls, swag bags for each golfer, a ton of raffled prizes, silent auction, and dinner afterwards sponsored by Brett Hull’s Junction House.

Player registration and sponsorship information can be found at www.CFF-Golf-Tourney-STL.

com. For other questions, contact Keith Horneker at KHorneker@ Junction-House.com. For more information on Cystic Fibrosis, visit the Gateway Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.CFF.org/Gateway.

Ribbon cutting ceremony held for pickleball courts in Wentzville

The city of Wentzville has unveiled four new pickleball courts and a dedicated cornhole playing area at Fireman’s Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 26 to mark this addition to the park's amenities.

The new pickleball courts provide a much-anticipated outdoor playing venue for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages. These courts offer a dedicated space for the community to engage in this popular and fast-growing sport.

In addition to the pickleball courts, Fireman's Park has also in-

corporated a dedicated cornhole playing area. This new addition provides a beloved social activity for families and friends to enjoy together.

Cornhole continues to gain popularity and the inclusion of this area further enhances the park's recreational offerings.

“We invite everyone to the excitement of friendly competition and the spirit of community at the new pickleball courts at Fireman's Park. The city of Wentzville is thrilled to offer this wonderful new amenity for our residents. This new

addition reflects the parks and recreation department's dedication to providing enjoyable and active opportunities within our community. Join us as we celebrate a stronger, healthier Wentzville!" said Mayor Nick Guccione.

Fireman's Park is located at 203 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville, and parking is limited. For information on future phases of the continuing renovation of Fireman’s Park, please visit www.wentzvillemo. gov/firemansparkproject.

A party with a purpose: make a stand against crime Aug. 1 at National Night Out

It's a simple message delivered each year: Get to know your neighbors and make a stand against crime. And on Aug. 1, fighting crime is as simple as turning on your porch light and spending the evening with your neighbors.

National Night Out is an opportunity for neighborhoods to get together and have a fun block party. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, the goal of the event is to strengthen neighborhood and law enforcement partnerships to reduce crime.

National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday of August (Aug. 1 this year) from 4-8 p.m. in St. Pe-

ters. Plan your party ahead of time and invite the police department to meet with kids and hand out fun items such as stickers and coloring books. Plus, Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog will also make a few special appearances at neighborhood parties.

If you’re interested in setting up a National Night Out neighborhood party and want to request a visit from the St. Peters Police Department, contact Sgt. Melissa Doss at 636-278-2244, ext. 3550 for more information.

Learn more about the St. Peters Police Department’s community outreach efforts at www.stpetersmo.net/ police.

Submitted photo St. Louis Blues hockey legend and hall-of-famer Brett Hull will be in hosting the 6th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation St. Louis Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Club in Wentzville on Aug. 26.

Take Notice . . .

The events listed in this section are the latest updates as of press time, please check with individual sites for the most up to date cancellations and reschedule info.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Aug. 24-27: Orchestra auditions

St. Charles County Youth Orchestra auditions will be held on Aug. 25, 26 and 27. Students at all levels of string, wind, brass, and percussion are invited to audition. The auditions will be held at the Grace Baptist Church Fellowship Hall St. Charles. Auditions are by appointment please visit www.sccyo.org/ auditions.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Take off Pounds

Sensibly

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo. com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of trou-

bled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville-Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at Bandana’s at 3446 Pheasant Meadows Dr. in O’Fallon. Contact Mary Vaughan at 314-581-0497 or Karen Grant at 773-914-4900 for more information.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www. stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts. org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call,

starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553

Mondays: Measurement

Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:1510 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

Tuesdays: Seniors luncheon

On the third Tuesday every month a luncheon for seniors takes place from 11 a.m. – 2

p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951. Free bingo and cards are available.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jack-ross@ att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out?

Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636-233-8032.

Tuesdays: Diabetes support group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except Novem-

ber and December from 6:30

- 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

This heart patient support group provides hospital visitation support for people with any type of heart issues. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636639-0875.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Lindenwood golf team excels in academics as well Lindenwood University’s women's golf team had six golfers recognized on the WGCA All-American Scholars list for the 2022-23 school year. The criteria to be selected as an All-American Scholar is obtaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.

Paula Mariana Sanchez (Senior), MacKenzie McCoy (Sophomore), Becca Oertel, Lillian Schlemmer (Senior), Addasyn Zeller (Freshman) and Kassidy Hull (Freshman) all earned this accolade.

Lindenwood completed its first NCAA Division I season this year as Sanchex landed on the all-OVC newcomer team and Hull was named conference golfer of the week twice throughout the year.

Information on the Women's Golf Coaches Association:

The Women's Golf Coaches Association, founded in 1983, is a nonprofit organization representing women's collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA was formed to encourage the playing of college golf for women in correlation with a general objective of education and in accordance with the highest tradition of intercollegiate competition. Today, the WGCA represents over 700 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.

*The best of the best

Ambush sign major player

The St. Louis Ambush play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles and play in the MASL.

The Ambush have signed free agent forward Skylar Funk to a three-year deal, the team announced today. Per league and team policies, no other details of the deal have been disclosed.

Funk is a St. Louis area native who hails from Alton, Illinois. He comes to the Ambush with one season of experience in the Major Arena Soccer League. Funk was the number one draft pick (eleventh overall) by the Florida Tropics in the 2022 MASL college draft. He appeared in nine games for the Tropics last season, tallying three goals and two assists.

Funk played collegiate soccer at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida and at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois. At Southeastern, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also served as a graduate assistant coach during his final season at Southeastern. Skylar played prep soccer at Alton High School, where he was named large school player of the year and first team all-conference. In his youth, Funk played club soccer at St. Louis Scott Gallagher. He started playing soccer at the age of three.

Ambush co-owner, general manager and head coach Jeff Locker said, “We’re pleased to welcome

Skylar home. He’s a untapped talent with the attributes to become a superb indoor soccer player.”

Ambush Director of Scouting

Donnie Alberty said, “Funk has the combination of physical presence and skill that are well suited to the indoor game. We feel he can develop into an important contributor to our future success.”

Funk said he is “excited to come home and play in front of an amazing fan base and being in front of family and friends.”

The Ambush will kick off their eleventh season this fall.

Contact Ambush office at 636477-6363 or go to www.STLAmbush.com for more information.

*A great acquisition

Gary Baute, aka Gary B, a St. Louis native, maybe educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan and an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season and broadcasted for several indoor football teams since 1999.

RECIPE : A tasty meal for a heart-healthy summer

Asyou plan your summer fun, think also about adopting healthy habits that can help keep your blood pressure under control. When your blood pressure is consistently high – a condition called hypertension – blood flows through arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. This can cause serious health problems not just for your heart, but also for your blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and brain.

Hypertension affects women and men of all ages but making small lifestyle changes can go a long way toward prevention. Start with updating your summer menu with delicious, heart-healthy recipes, like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

INGREDIENTS:

Sauce:

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons light soy

sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons orange juice

1 teaspoon garlic (about 1 clove), minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes)

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 24 pieces)

8 wooden skewers (6 inches each), soaked in water

HAWAIIAN HULI HULI CHICKEN

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

DIRECTIONS:

To make sauce: Combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, orange juice, garlic and ginger; mix well. Separate into two bowls and set aside.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Alternately thread three chicken cubes and three pineapple chunks on each skewer.

Movie:

By Mat Dekinder

Most of the time when a movie is too ambitious and tries to do too much the result is a hot mess. In those instances, I applaud the filmmaker’s effort and then quickly forget about the whole thing.

But what if they pull it off? What if a filmmaker takes a massive swing and sticks the landing? If a movie stands before you like a giant house of cards that refuses to topple over, all you can do is step back and marvel at it.

Such is the case with “Oppenheimer,” Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus about J. Robert Oppenheimer and his part in overseeing the development of the atomic bomb.

“Oppenheimer” is really three different films rolled into one. One part is a straightup biopic about what a brilliant, complex, egotistical, flawed, glorious weirdo Oppenheimer was. He is played by Cillian Murphy, an intense actor who reliably leaves it all on the table.

Here he dials it back on the surface, seeming calm and collected throughout while internally the conflict between scientific achievement and unleashing the most devastating weapon humanity has ever known constantly threatens to bubble over. It’s as Academy-Award-worthy of a performance as it gets.

Grill skewers 3-5 minutes on each side. Brush or spoon sauce from one bowl onto chicken and pineapple every other minute. Discard remaining sauce from first bowl.

To prevent chicken from drying out, finish cooking to minimum internal temperature of 165 F in oven. Using clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from remaining bowl before serving.

The second part is a historical thriller as Oppenheimer and his gaggle of scientists convene at Los Alamos, New Mexico under the watchful eye of General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon). We see the members of the famed Manhattan Project scramble in an intense race against time to complete the bomb before the Nazis do, all under a claustrophobic shroud of secrecy.

The final part is a political potboiler that takes place after the war as Oppenheimer begins to speak out against nuclear proliferation and grapples with his legacy while his government attempts to discredit and silence him.

This all plays out against the backdrop of a Senate confirmation hearing for Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.), the former head of the Atomic Energy Commission who worked closely with Oppenheimer after the war.

Downey is as good as he’s ever been as

Strauss, filling him with pathos and bile to the point you don’t know what to expect from him. This is a reintroduction to Downey as an accomplished dramatic actor after years in the superhero playpen. Expect his name to be mentioned during the Academy Awards as well.

But even with such a phenomenal and deep cast (which is another testament to Nolan’s pull as he was able to get Oscar winners to come in and read five lines of dialogue), “Oppenheimer” is Nolan’s baby.

He mushes all three “films” together and somehow, not only does it makes sense, it sings.

Nolan is an accomplished visual filmmaker, and while there are plenty of astonishing things to look at in this movie, one of the main reasons I would say it is important to see “Oppenheimer” in a theater is to fully appreciate Nolan’s use of sound. You can feel the concussive blasts as Nolan assaults you with the dread and awesome horror of a nuclear explosion.

“Oppenheimer” is a master work from a filmmaker at the top of his craft; respective of the past as it is contemplative of the future. It is a sight to behold.

“Oppenheimer” is rated R for some sexuality, nudity and language.

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

“Oppenheimer” photo courtesy Universal Pictures.

‘Oppenheimer’ will blow you away

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

PRAYER

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

Moore on Life: Television indecision

It’sofficial, TV control is a major subject of contention for couples, edging out naggy mother-in-law issues and take-out-the-garbage issues by a hair.

I can relate. Our problems begin with the volume.

Me: “Turn that down! I can’t hear myself think.”

Husband: “Then turn your thinker up. My volume’s just fine.”

From there it goes to program decisions.

Me: “Let’s watch a Jane Austen movie.”

Him: “No can do. I’ve got to go clean the cat’s box.”

“You’d rather do that than watch my movie?”

“The decision was a tough one, but it was cat box, drive splinters up my fingernails or watch a top hats and bonnets show. I made the sacrifice.”

The issues continue.

Me: “What’s this you’re watching tonight?”

Him: “Shhh. It’s the final game of the almost final game before the really final game of the MLB.”

“How exciting. Who are the ones wearing the red uniforms?”

Glaring eyes. “The Cardinals.”

“Oh nice. I want them to win. I like the color red and cardinals are my favorite bird. You know we had a nest of cardinals in the bush out front. I had to keep the cats in because I was afraid they’d eat them. Hey, who’s in the other uniforms? They’re kind of a bland color. I’m sure that won’t help their performance. What does MLB stand for?”

Glaring and red faced. “The first letter stands for MURDER. The next ones mean LEAVE BEFORE-it-happens!”

And then there’s this.

We’ve finally decided on a movie after searching for hours to find one we both can agree on. Of course, by then it’s 10 p.m. and we’re both a little dozy, but we set-

By Cindy Moore CROSSWORD:

ON THE ROAD

tle in and the show begins.

Five minutes into the movie he’s snoring and I’m in a deep coma with drool puddling onto my pillow. I wake up at midnight to the television playing the credits for the program.

I give my husband a mean jab in the ribs and he snort-swallows and chokes himself awake.

“What?! Where am I? Who shot me?!”

“Wake up. The movie’s about to start.”

“Huh? Okay. I’m ready.”

I restart the show and we immediately both fall back to sleep.

At least that’s something we can agree on.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

LIFESTYLE: How to improve your home’s look with wallpaper

Tounderstand the mood of a room, look no further than its walls. Wallpaper can add instant texture and flair, and today’s DIY-friendly options make it easy to create inspired spaces with little fuss.

The key to successful wallpapering is in the preparation. Clean, dry walls are a must, and any holes or cracks should be filled and sanded. To avoid paste that absorbs into porous surfaces, take time to apply a light, even coat of primer before beginning.

Choose a corner or space behind a door as your starting point. Mark your starting point using a level to draw a vertical line from floor to ceiling. Next, cut a length of wallpaper several inches longer than the height of your wall from the baseboard to ceiling.

Apply paste or activate the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to fully cover or dampen the paper surface; dry spots may result in unsightly bubbles.

Begin smoothing the paper onto the wall using the vertical line as a guide. Begin at the ceiling and smooth using a brush or plastic smoothing tool. If you encounter wrinkles or bubbles, gently lift the paper and smooth, relaying the paper as you go.

With each strip, you should end with several inches above the ceiling joint and below the baseboard line. Ensure the paper has firmly adhered top to bottom then trim using a sharp blade. Smooth each seam as you go.

Continue this process around the room, aligning

your paper pattern as needed. If it isn’t possible to completely match the pattern, focus on the middle third of the wall, which is most likely to be at eye level.

To maneuver corners, cut a slit in the paper overhanging the ceiling and floor. This allows the paper to lay flat for a smoother finish.

When you round back to your starting point, overlap your original strip of paper with the final strip. Make a single cut for a clean, crisp seam. Gently wipe away excess adhesive from the trim and seams.

To prevent rips and ripples, allow paper to dry completely – at least overnight – before replacing furniture and hanging artwork to complete your space.

Find more easy home improvement tips and ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

ACROSS

1. More down in the dumps

6. Will Ferrell's 2003 Christmas character

9. Century Gothic, e.g.

13. Twisted cotton thread

14. Greek "t"

15. Biblical mount

16. Dessert sandwiches

17. Barley bristle

18. Pungent edible bulb

19. *Shared ride

21. *Yellow Brick Road traveller

23. Member of the Benevolent Order

24. Sword handle

25. The little one "stops to tie his shoe"

28. AI "fodder"

30. *Gas station option

35. Thailand money

37. Phone cam images

39. Fill with happy spirit

40. Bora ____

41. Vexed

43. Uncontrolled swerve

44. Middle Eastern V.I.P.s

46. Genesis twin

47. "The Odyssey," e.g.

48. Hooray!

50. Speaking platform

52. Campfire residue

53. What sailors are to captain

55. Lawyers' org.

57. *Jack of "On the Road" fame

61. *Refreshment break

65. Live sign for radio, 2 words

66. Shakespearean "fuss"

68. Bar order, with "the"

69. Ownership document

70. Mitt Romney's title, abbr.

71. Christmas Eve visitor

72. Keats' works, e.g.

73. *Major road, abbr.

74. *Certain number of cylinders

DOWN

1. Cold War's Warsaw Pact, e.g.

2. Turkish money

3. One on drugs

4. Run off to Vegas?

5. Sold on eBay, usually

6. Short for "and elsewhere"

7. Hammurabi's code, e.g.

8. Plural of fundus

9. Porto____, Italy

10. Got this!

11. Sodium hydroxide

12. Like Tim of "A Christmas Carol"

15. Foray

20. Giraffe's striped-legged cousin

22. Like one of the Testaments

24. Fine-toothed metal cutter

25. *Famous road from Beatles crossing

26. Actress Watts

27. Minute parasite

29. *Spare one

31. "If all ____ fails"

32. Sarpa ____, coral reef fish

33. Tiny purses

34. Olden day phlebotomy instrument 36. Waterproof canvas

38. Clothing line

42. UAE's most populous city 45. Close the fastener, e.g.

49. Epoch

51. Between 90 and 180 degrees

54. E-wallet's content

56. Very, in music

57. Japanese zither

58. Author Bagnold

59. Goes with interest

60. Great masters' medium, pl.

61. *Hoofed "express" traveler

62. "The Summer I Turned Pretty" actress Lola ____

63. Solemn promise 64. Surveyor's map 67. Morning drops

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